Chemistry quote in the yearbook may keep a student from graduation: The message decoded

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CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. —

Paris Gray is considered a leader at her Georgia high school, but a quote she chose for her yearbook could ruin her senior year. The message stated: “When the going gets tough just remember to Barium, Carbon, Potassium, Thorium, Astatine, Arsenic, Sulfur, Uranium, Phosphorus.” When translated, the letters of the elements spell out “Back that a** up”.

The senior class vice president received an in-school suspension and could be kept from walking at her graduation next week.

“I think their reaction was beyond what it should have been because nobody understood it,” said Paris Gray.